Hanwha tested composite tracks with К9А2 self-propelled guns
6 July, 2023 K9A2 self-propelled guns during tests at the Hanwha`s proving ground. Photo by Hanwha The South Korean company Hanwha tested composite rubber tracks with a ?9?2 self-propelled gun mount.
Hanwha Team Thunder UK announced this. The company performed successful integration tests on the Composite Rubber Track (CRT) from the Canadian manufacturer Soucy. The integration of the tracks is conducted at the request of the British Command.
In 2020, Supacat and Soucy combined the CRT track production to equip the British Army's fleet of tracked vehicles.
Soucy`s CRT System onto the K9A2 self-propelled guns. Photo by Hanwha
The United Kingdom is a potential customer of ?9?2 self-propelled guns for replacement of the L131 Archer self-propelled guns. If ?9?2 wins the program to supply new self-propelled guns, the Korean company would localize its production in the United Kingdom.
Soucy`s CRT System onto K9A2 self-propelled guns.
Photo by Hanwha
CRT System
In 2017, British Command completed testing the CRT System on the FV510 Warrior IFV. The tests proved the prospects for their use on tracked equipment in the future. Composite tracks are 50% lighter than the steel version while driving on the ground and 79% lighter on water.
Soucy`s CRT System onto the K9A2 self-propelled guns.
Photo by Hanwha
The use of CRT will reduce fuel consumption by 16% on the roads and by 24% off-road. The vehicle's nominal pressure on the soil is reduced by 10-15% compared to steel tracks. The test board made the following conclusions for the CRT use on the FV510 Warrior IFV:
- weight reduction by 1500 kg;
- 28% increase in range;
- reduction of total noise by 57%;
- vibration reduction by 42%;
- the best mobility index is 24%.
In addition, Hanwha tested CRT tracks on the Redback IFVs.
Militarnyi previously reported that works within the third stage of the Australian Land 400 program are ongoing.
The Australian Defense Department is looking for a replacement for its infantry fighting vehicles and has outlined the technical requirements to transport six fighters and three crew members.
Within the project, the plan is to purchase up to 450 tracked combat vehicles.